Tips on what to do during contact with a law enforcement officer while playing Ingress

Its important to consider the possibility of coming into contact with the police. After all, Ingress calls for a certain type of late night rendezvous with other players or portals. As this game is geared for the techies in our community, not everyone is aware of the game. In addition, there are people that may be aware of it, but do not know your intentions and may call a law enforcement agency to report your suspicious behavior. Below you will find some useful information to help you should you encounter an officer of the law while on your conquest to save humanity one way or another. This is not legal advice, only a suggestion. The author of this document nor the organizations & individuals that post/share this document are not responsible for your actions.

If you are in your vehicle:

Shut off the engine if it`s running

This will show your intention of not running from them

Turn on your interior light

This allows them to see in your vehicle better

Do not move after you put your hands on the steering wheel

Don't reach for your DL or ID, if they want it, they will ask

If you are not in your vehicle:

Keep your hands out of your pockets

Don't make any sudden movements, and keep your hands down

Keep your distance, the officer will move as close as they feel comfortable

Stay still and don't back up or move around

General things for both situations:

Explain slowly what you are doing in a light and meaningful manner

Don't be rude, condescending or evasive in your answers

Stay calm, and don't worry

If you are not doing anything wrong, you won't be in trouble!

Comply with all requests and orders

Don't move for your ID or anything until asked. Advise the officer of where it’s at before moving to grab it

If you are carrying a firearm, declare it immediately in a polite manner!

Also advise the officer if you have a valid CCW Permit on you

Keep in mind, whoever called you into the police may have embellished your actions to hasten their response time. With that knowledge, it’s expected that the officers responding will have no idea about what is really going on. All they are told is someone is where they normally shouldn’t be, and doing something that they are not supposed to be doing. When the officer arrives, s/he will ask a lot of questions to get the story of what is actually taking place - so be patient and answer the questions without getting irritated and upset. Staying calm and not making any sudden movements will keep the tension down between both you and the officers, and prevent anything bad from happening.

It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with any local laws and ordinances. Keep in mind, most city and state parks close at dusk - regardless if there is a gate blocking entrance to the parking lot. If someone asks you to leave, comply with the request. If they are an agent of the property you are on, they have the final word. The same rule applies for firearms - they ask you to leave or put it away, you must comply!

Here are some local laws and ordinances to familiarize yourself with. This is only a listing to find information and should not be construed as legal advice - always consult your attorney (this applies to the entire document as well).

Title 13 of the Arizona Revised Statutes is the section for the criminal code. The big laws to remember while playing Ingress relate to trespassing and criminal damage (if you damage anything):